Boat Safety

[iffwalleyes]

I will be heading to Ontario in 2 weeks on a fishing trip. My question is there any safety items that are required to have on the boat.

This is what I have

Lifejackets for everyone aboard

One Throw able life preserver with rope

Fire extinguisher

What else maybe required or am I missing?

[prov1900]

As far as I know, the requirements are the same in Canada as they are in the US. Dont forget your (airhorn/whistle) plus whatever else your state requires. Dont forget the first aid kit and in the event of a fish hook in the hand accident, learn how to extract with the fishing line trick. I used it on Kabetogama in June to a buddie's hand and it worked really slick. Just FYI. Holler if you need me to explain it further. Cheaper than a hospital trip.

[jerkin'm]

I think you need a 100 ft rope too....Not 100% sure on that, but I remember reading it I believe..

[JCR]

You will also need a paddle, bailing bucket, whistle, and rope to be legal.

[fishermn]

Check the canadian regs online at the MNR's HSOforum. I believe it says you just need the same equipment that is required by your home state or province.

[JCR]

I was checked twice by the OPP on Rainy Lake this summer. they require what I said, and it don't matter what the requirements are in your home state.

[iffwalleyes]

Guess I need a whisle then.

[WB make the CUT]

100 feet of "FLOATING ROPE"

Spot light.

Flares with current date

[fishermn]

I'm not trying to contradict anyone, or say you arent correct, but the requirements are different if you are a US citizen or a canadian citizen. I just looked this up as I had the same question myself about 3 weeks ago.

Here is the official statement from the HSOforum for the Canadian Office of Boating Safety....

Quote:

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Safety Equipment Requirements

Foreign pleasure craft (pleasure craft that are licensed or registered in a country other than Canada) need to comply with equipment requirements of the country in which the vessel is usually kept.

If you are not a resident of Canada and are using a pleasure craft licensed or registered in Canada, all of the required safety equipment must meet Canadian safety requirements. However, you may opt to bring your own PFD for your own personal use.

---

If you want more info, go to the Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety HSOforum, and look at the topic labelled "Requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters In Canadian Waters"

[JCR]

I aggree that's what the regulations say, however I was fined for not having a whistle, and they read me the other reguirements some of which are not required in Minnesota. (bailing bucket, paddle , flashlite). They also fined my son for having a open can of beer in his boat. The can was empty and the boat was anchored. I don't know if Ontario don't follow Transport Canada or if the OPP guys that were doing the ticketing didn't know or care. Both boats were registered in MN and we are from MSP.

[BobT]

Actually, in Minnesota we are required to have some kind of whistle or horn on board boats 16' to 26' audible for up to 1/2 mile and capable of sustaining the sound for a minimum of 2 seconds. If you did not have the whistle and met these boat specifications, you were in violation.

Bob

[iffwalleyes]

Does the horn that is on the boat count? Or do I need a whistle/air horn above that?

[ozzie]

Your boat horn is fine....Just as long as it makes noise....My pa's party got ticketed this year for not having a working horn or whistle...I think the fine was $175 if I do recall....but they didn't say anything about the beer in his boat.

[fishermn]

JCR, Yep, I can see that happening. I have heard similar stories before. Seems like you should have grounds to get your fines back though...

If you feel you want to carry all the stuff the canadians are required to carry, their HSOforum has a detailed list of everything thats needed, its just more stuff to haul around...

Regarding the open bottle, thats a whole different issue. I think there is a link on the transport canada site that mentions that as well.

Good luck and good fishing!